Half-term fun for all the family at STEAM

Staff at STEAM have devised brand new activity sessions and an Artist’s Trail for children this February half-term.

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Joanna Arnott, Lifelong Learning Officer at STEAM, which is owned and managed by Swindon Borough Council, said: “We’ve got lots going on in the museum for February half-term, including some brand new drop-in activity sessions on Thursday, 15 Februarycalled Are We Nearly There? where children can create their own holiday poster.

“These fun sessions follow the theme of our new The Art of Publicity exhibition as we celebrate the striking holiday posters created by the Great Western Railway to promote rail travel. Families can join in with the sessions any time between 10am and 12noon or1pm and 3pm. Entry is free with admission and free to STEAM Season Ticket holders.

“Also new for February half-term, we have the STEAM Artist’s’Trail which helps children discover the many artworks and patterns around the museum.”

As well as the special half-term activities, children can enjoy the many permanent exhibits and displays, including world famous steam locomotives, No. 6000 King George V, No. 3717 City of Truro and No. 4073 Caerphilly Castle.

There’s also the chance to get a real taste of what it was like to be an engine driver and a signalman thanks to STEAM’s train simulator and GWR Signal Box.

On 10 February, the Meet the Railway Workers event gives steam fans of all ages a chance to meet STEAM volunteers and climb aboard the iconic Swindon-built GWR locomotives No. 6000 King George V, No. 3717 City of Truro and No. 4073 Caerphilly Castle.

More special exhibitions inside the museum include ‘King George V: A Locomotive Legend’ and ‘Going to America’. These are located on the Station Platform next to No. 6000 King George V.

Cllr Garry Perkins, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for STEAM, said: “Whatever the weather, STEAM has plenty for all generations to see and do and with the museum’s themed family activities and new Artist’s Trail, there is plenty to keep the children entertained.

“I also thoroughly recommend STEAM’s season ticket which pays for itself in just two visits – giving families the chance to visit as many times as they like throughout the year.”

STEAM is open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm, with last admission at 4pm.On Sundays the museum is open from 11am until 4pm with last admission at 3pm.

Standard admission prices are currently: £8.90 for adults, £6.60 for children aged three to 15 years, and £7.15 for seniors and students. Standard Family Tickets save families money, while a STEAM Family Season Tickets offer especially good value, with a saving on just the second visit. A Family Season Ticket for two adults and two children costs £38.85. Under threes go free.

To find out more, visit www.steam-museum.org.uk or follow STEAM on Facebook (@SteamMuseum) and Twitter (@Steam_Museum). You can call the museum on 01793 466646.